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September 2021
Saints A Stewardship Parish
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Volume 18, Issue 9
Inside 3 September:
An Ongoing Opportunity to Change the World
4 Our Annual
Stewardship Renewal Thanking God for the Blessings He has Bestowed on Us
6 All Saints Catholic School:
An Essential Ministry of Our Parish
7 The 2021 Fall Festival
Promises To Be Bigger and Better Than Ever
Our Parish Newsletter: Spreading the news of Christ at work in our community.
AN INSIDE LOOK AT OUR
Ministry for Persons with Disabilities, Special Needs, and Caregivers
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“We Are All Children of God”
inda Adamczyk had a son with special needs, and in 2004, there was nothing available for her family at the parish. At the request of Fr. Tom Cloherty, Linda represented All Saints at a Diocesan seminar on starting a ministry for persons with disabilities and caregivers and then gathered faith community members to discuss the initiative. Members of All Saints’ Ministry for Persons with “Today, we’re like a family that Disabilities, Special Needs, and Caregivers supports each other and gives each other love when you need it most,” says Barbara Anne Rusk. “We want everyone in the community to feel welcome because we are all children of God and brothers and sisters of Jesus.” All Saints was one of the first churches in Dallas to establish a Ministry for Persons with Disabilities, Special Needs, and Caregivers. “Ministry members work to ensure that parishioners with special needs or disabilities and their caregivers are able to participate in all aspects of parish life,” Barbara says. “We want to support and advocate for all our parishioners so that everyone can be involved.” Ministry members have met regularly since the ministry’s inception. They meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the small room off the narthex. In August continued on page 2
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Ministry for Persons with Disabilities, Special Needs, and Caregivers continued from front cover they gathered for a social time and watched a saint biography, and enjoyed food and fellowship. They also have a short board meeting. “We do different projects to try and get families together like the snow cone booth at the Fall Festival,” Barbara says. “Once a year at Christmastime, we have a luncheon together with A Better Way, which is a support group for teens and adults with mental health issues.” All parishioners are welcome to be involved in the ministry and its initiatives, whether you have a disability or special need or not. The group has members involved in different parish ministries and has programs so that individuals with special needs can prepare for and receive Communion. “One of our members started a medical equipment program by which you can loan or get free medical equipment, and the Diocese now runs the program,” Barbara says. “We also have listening devices in the church now and constructed a ramp so that one of our members could be a lector. We’ve made recommendations to the church for different things like handicap accessible restrooms.” In 2013, the National Catholic Partnership on Disability held a conference in Houston, and churches were invited to share what they had accomplished in welcoming those with disabilities in their faith communities for an award provided by Loyola Press. The Loyola Press Opening Doors Award highlights the importance of parishes recognizing the gifts and needs of persons with disabilities and includes a $1,000 gift to the parish to further this work. “Linda Adamczyk submitted an essay relating what All Saints had accomplished,” Barbara says. “All Saints was the recipient of this award as it set a standard that other parishes should strive to achieve as they make efforts at welcoming persons with disabilities.”
Currently, Barbara serves on the Diocesan Ministry for Persons with Disabilities and Hearing Impaired, and she has been personally impacted by the ministry formed at All Saints. “I joined the group in 2006 for support with my adult son, and then I thought that maybe I could do some good through this group,” Barbara says. “When I go to a meeting or do something for the group, afterward I feel so elated because it touches my heart and soul.” On Oct. 16, the ministry is planning a meet and greet for families and people with disabilities in the Fellowship Hall. The gathering will take place from 10 a.m. until noon. Everyone is welcome to join and find out more about this ministry and its work in our faith community. “Please join us, and young families are especially welcome because we do need some young people to take over ministry leadership,” Barbara says. “It will be informal, and I’ll explain a bit about the ministry. It’s an opportunity for us to come together and support each other.”
“Ministry members work to ensure that parishioners with special needs or disabilities and their caregivers are able to participate in all aspects of parish life. We want to support and advocate for all our parishioners so that everyone can be involved.” — BARBARA ANNE RUSK
If you would like more information about All Saints’ Ministry for Persons with Disabilities, Special Needs, and Caregivers, please reach out to Barbara Anne Rusk at 972-814-8227 or barusk1@att.net.
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A Letter from Our Pastoral Administrator page 3
An Ongoing Opportunity to Change the World
Dear Saints,
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n his letters, St. Paul often began by greeting his “brothers and sisters.” Every time I read one of these letters, it reminds me that you and I truly are sisters and brothers in the Body of Christ, the Church, but especially here in our parish. We need to understand that we are indeed a family, and the way we see and treat one another is fundamental to the health and happiness of this family. Our spiritual family doesn’t stop at the walls of our church, but rather, extends to include every man and woman created in God’s image and likeness. You may be familiar with the term “Catholic Social Teaching,” part of which is built on a commitment to the poor. These are the beliefs that guide Catholics on how to apply the faith to all aspects of life, and they lay the framework for the Church’s teachings on the dignity and sacredness of human life. Once we make a commitment to be disciples of Jesus and pursue stewardship as a way of life, the principles of Catholic Social Teaching become very easy to incorporate into our lives. Catholic Social Teaching has been around since those first followers of Jesus tried to balance their new faith with the realities of living in a world of Roman oppression. Jesus reminded His disciples then, just as He reminds us now, that caring for and administering to the poor should be at the core of all we do. Recall when the Lord said in Matthew, “For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink;
I was a stranger and you welcomed me; I was naked and you gave me clothing; I was ill and you cared for me; I was in prison and you visited me.” This is our foundation as we seek to embody mercy and justice to our fellow man and should be one of our major goals as a faith community. Many of our parish ministries provide for us an opportunity to do just as Jesus asked — to serve those most in need. As we move into the fall season, with Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas soon to follow, now is a good time for us to recommit ourselves to addressing the needs we see around us — both as a parish society and as individuals. I am proud of our collective efforts in assisting and serving the poor, but I also know that we can do more. Many of us personally need to get involved in these efforts. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has a great love and regard for the poor and, like Jesus, he reminds us often of what we need to do. Pope Francis once said in a homily, “The measure of the greatness of a society is found in the way it treats those most in need, those who have nothing apart from their poverty.” Together, we can make a difference. Remain Ever Blessed,
Fr. Jovita Okoli Pastoral Administrator
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OUR ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP
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e are truly sisters and brothers in the Body of Christ, the Church. Our spiritual family doesn’t stop at the walls of our church, but rather, extends to include every man and woman created in God’s image and likeness. Mothers and fathers routinely place the needs of their children before their own; soldiers at war often throw their own safety to the wind in the interest of protecting their fellow soldiers. The story of Jesus also focuses on giving to others. Christ calls us to imitate Him – to become completely selfless. As we enter into our annual Stewardship Renewal period, Fr. Jovita Okoli is asking us to examine our own lives and determine the areas that are in need of growth. Before the stewardship way of life can totally transform our parish, it must begin in each of our hearts. As each individual’s spiritual life blossoms and grows, so will our parish as a whole. Will you plant the seed of stewardship in your own heart?
Commitment Weekend is Oct. 9-10. Don’t forget to bring your Commitment Card to Mass! How do I use my Commitment Card? Your commitment card allows you to make commitments to prayer, parish ministries, and offertory giving. It is designed to be used by the whole family. Time Section: Except for the ill and homebound, everyone should be able to check “Come to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days.” Try to check at least a few other items. Daily prayer should be a priority for every person trying to grow closer to God.
Thanking God for the
Talent Section: You can either sign up for new ministries or re-commit to your current ministries. Be sure to write your first name next to the ministry! This is especially important if the card is being used by more than one person. Treasure Section: Clearly print how much money you plan to give each week or month to our parish. Try to take a step toward giving five percent of your income to All Saints. Is your prayer life in need of a tune-up? Honestly ask yourself, “How much time do I spend in prayer each week?” The answer is probably a bit embarrassing. Everyone wants to spend more time in prayer, but there’s just never enough time to do everything we want to do. Good intentions are just that: intentions. This year, as you’re discerning how you will offer your time to God, resolve to follow through with your commitments. Consider each moment you spend in prayer as nourishment for your soul. The spiritual health of our parish is only as strong as the sum of its parts (individual parishioners). Is your level of parish involvement in need of a boost? We give our talents back to God when we get involved in ministries at All Saints. And, with a host of ministries to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Sure, ministries give parishioners opportunities to serve others in the community, but they also benefit those in the ministry itself. Ask anyone who actively participates in a ministry at All Saints, “Why do you enjoy serving in this way?” They’ll probably say, “I get more out of the ministry than the people I serve.” This year, as you’re discerning how you will offer your talents to God, considering signing up for a ministry that may benefit you, like a Bible study, prayer group, or
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RENEWAL
Blessings He has Bestowed on Us retreat. Or, contribute to an outreach ministry where your good deeds not only help others in the community, but also give you feelings of satisfaction and thankfulness.
2022
STEWARDSHIP
RENEWAL
Do you give a percentage of your income to the offertory? It may be hard to see offertory giving as a way to “help yourself,” but when we approach the subject from a spiritual viewpoint, it can lead to individual spiritual growth and an increase in faith. Even the savviest businessperson worries about his or her personal finances from time to time. Adding a weekly offertory check to the list of monthly bills may seem crazy but, ultimately, sacrificial giving forces us to cut unnecessary spending, create a budget and have faith that God will help us make it through the month. All of these are good things for each of us, individually. After faithfully giving to the offertory for a few months, many Catholics find that it’s not only possible to give a weekly offering, but that the fruits of their gift far outweigh the expense. At All Saints, we ask that you give five percent to our parish, one percent to the diocese, and four percent to other charities. Why a percentage of income? First, because the tithe (10 percent) is a scriptural benchmark that the Church has honored for centuries (see Malachi 3:10). Secondly, we give a percentage of income because it is a common-sense standard by which everyone can equitably support the parish. Most of all, we give because we believe God comes first in everything, even finances.
Every parish family receives a special “Stewardship Package” in the mail that further explains our parish’s vision of stewardship. It includes a booklet that describes every ministry in the parish, as well as your commitment card.
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All Saints Catholic School: An Essential Ministry of Our Parish By COLIN CAMPBELL, President, All Saints Catholic School
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s a parishioner at All Saints, I sometimes found myself caught up in the weekly shuffle of Masses, ministries, events, and it was all too easy to forget about the school just three miles up the road. As I have stepped into the job as President of the school, I have intentionally kept that memory at the top of my mind. In some ways, the school feels like an entirely different organization with its own campus, staff, and culture. However, at its core, All Saints Catholic School is one of the vast array of ministries offered at our parish. Fr. Jovita has welcomed me to the Parish staff, and I wholeheartedly agree that the two roles of parish leader and school President are inseparable. To that end, I will be speaking at many of the Masses this month to encourage our entire parish community to reconnect with All Saints’ largest
ministry — our school. If you have never visited the school, please come by. If you have school-age children and have questions about cost or anything else, please reach out. And if you don’t have children — or haven’t had children at home for a very long time — please still come visit. We would love to show off all of the amazing things that you are helping us accomplish just three miles up the road. The School’s Open House Days are not solely for prospective students. All are welcome. The first is scheduled for Sept. 29 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Masks are required.
Danger from Summer Heat is Everyone’s Business What You Can Do If You Are an Adult Who Is Elderly or Has Disabilities •
• • • • • •
If possible, stay in an air-conditioned area, either at home or in a public place such as a mall, library, or recreation center. If air conditioning is not available, pull shades over the windows and use crossventilation and fans to cool rooms. Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine, or a lot of sugar. Don’t wait until you are thirsty. Start drinking fluids at least 30 minutes before going out. Plan strenuous outdoor activity for early morning or evening when the temperature is lower. Take frequent breaks when working outside. Wear sunscreen SPF 15 or higher, wide-brimmed hats, and light-colored, loose-fitting clothes. Eat more frequently, but be sure meals are well balanced, cool, and light. From The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services: Adult Protective Services Division — http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Adult_Protection
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T HE 2 0 2 1
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PRO M IS E S TO BE BIGGER AND BE TT E R T HA N E V E R
he 2021 All Saints Fall Festival is returning — bigger and better than ever — with an adult-only Bingo Night kicking things off on Sept. 25, along with the Silent Auction. The following weekend, it’s the Fall Festival in full form Oct. 2-3, held indoors and outdoors throughout the All Saints campus — Fellowship Hall, gym, courtyard, gazebo, and playing fields. The hours are Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. All the fun and fellowship begin with Bingo Night on Sept. 25, when with the price of admission, adults get to play 11 games with prizes. There will be food for sale and donations accepted for beer and wine. On the same night, the Silent Auction bidding will begin. Parishioners will have a week to bid on amazing items before it closes on the Sunday afternoon of the festival weekend. “While Bingo is not new to the Fall Festival, the goal of holding it as an adult-only Bingo Night is that it will be bigger,” says Carolyn Bisulca, Fall Festival Chair. “Kids will have a great time playing
the Carnival Games, most of which are new this year, and the chance to win amazing prizes. We also have some different organizations participating this year, so be on the lookout for new food items on the menu.” Last year, the festival was held in a reduced capacity so social distancing could be in place. The Fall Festival included the silent auction, raffle, and a boxed lunch picnic on the field so that families could physically distance. The festival volunteers sold boxed lunches for take-out. The weekend of the Fall Festival is packed full of fun activities for all ages and, of course, food. “On the playing field, there will be carnival games, the rock climbing wall, and a petting zoo for the kids,” Carolyn says. “Food and drink booths run by our organizations will offer foods that celebrate our diversity. And of course, the Fall Festival grill will be cooking up everyone’s favorites — hamburgers, hot dogs, and barbecue. The entertainment stage will host a variety of continued on back cover
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FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT THE PARISH OFFICE: 972-661-6282
The 2021 Fall Festival performers all day Saturday, culminating in the return of the band Hazzard for the evening live concert. And on Sunday we always look forward to the Epic Big Band. Festivities will close on Sunday with the raffle drawing. The lucky winner will enjoy a weeklong getaway trip.” The Fall Festival is important for All Saints Parish for several reasons. As a family-friendly event, it brings the various parts of the parish together for fellowship — church and school, younger and older members. It also helps support the church and school. “It’s an opportunity to get to know fellow parishioners and experience, in a very fun way, a sense
continued from page 7 of community which is so vital to the life of our parish,” Carolyn says. “In addition, the Fall Festival is the largest annual fundraiser financially supporting our church and school. Current projects include replacement of HVAC units, updates to the elevator in the Kamel Life Center, facility improvements to handicap accessibility, and refreshing our outdoor campus.” Of course, the Fall Festival cannot take place without parishioners stepping up to help. “Being involved is not only a valuable means of contributing to the success of the festival but also an opportunity to meet parishioners,” Carolyn says. “We need lots!”
Those interested in helping can sign up on the All Saints website at allsaintsdallas.org — click on “Fall Festival.”
5231 MEADOWCREEK DRIVE ● DALLAS, TX 75248 ● (972) 661-9282 Mass Schedule Weekday Liturgy: Monday – Friday, 6:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. | Saturday, 9:00 a.m. Weekend Liturgy: Saturday, 5:00 p.m. | Sunday, 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.